Carol Ghim Tan

I came to NY (originally from Malaysia) in 1986 to further my music studies, and graduated from Queens College, NY with a Music degree. I have been teaching music and a little computer music (MIDI stuff), and did music publishing for about 20 years. I pursued the study on computers about 10 years ago. My dream was to build a multimedia program teaching music theory but I never got to complete that goal. Anyway, my field of interest got switched over to web development, production and training.

In 1997, I got to know the web, fell in love with it via chat lines etc etc, and at the same time went back to College to get a Graphics and Multimedia Certificate. I also started my own company called Kreative Studios in 1998. Web Development was a hit. I started desiging web sites and continued working with digital publishing and production. I then got both onsite & online teaching positions in the fields of Desktop Publishing, Graphic Design, Web & Multimedia Development. I actually ENJOY and LOVE teaching more than working in industry production. I also love doing research and discovering new designs, techniques and programming ideas in web & multimedia technology.

To further enhance my skills as online instructor, I decided to become an online student myself. I strongly feel that in order to be an effective online instructor, one of the teaching skills can be learned from the perspective of a student's experience. That was how I got my Masters in Education specializing in Adult Learning & e-Learning from the University of Phoenix in 2002, and later Master of Sceince in Instructional Design for Online Learning. It was a great learning experience that I will always cherish.

My current research interest involves computer technology and its impact on education for learners of different ages, culture, and educational background, particularly in the third world countries. Research Topics include: (a) how instructors, trainers and administrators can utilize technology fully and effectively in the teaching environment without having to feel intimidated, (b) how online classes affect traditional teaching methods globally, and (c) future changes in technology and its impact on education on administrators, instructors and learners.